Introduction
Course setup
Computer technician skills inventory
Chapter 1: Troubleshooting
Module A: Troubleshooting theory
Module B: Safety
Module C: Professionalism
Chapter 2: Motherboards and CPUs
Module A: Motherboards
Module B: CPUs
Chapter 3: Computer power supplies
Module A: Power supply connectors
Module B: Power supply installation
Module C: Power supply troubleshooting
Chapter 4: Memory
Module A: Read-only memory
Module B: Random access memory
Chapter 5: Computer expansion
Module A: Expansion interfaces
Module B: Expansion card installation
Module C: Connectors and cables
Chapter 6: Physical storage
Module A: Disk drives
Module B: RAID storage
Module C: Optical drives
Module D: Other storage methods
Chapter 7: Input-output devices
Module A: Input devices
Module B: Output devices
Module C: Dual input-output devices
Chapter 8: Display Devices
Module A: Display technologies
Module B: Display management
Chapter 9: Operating systems
Module A: Windows versions and features
Module B: Non-Windows operating systems
Module C: Operating system installation and upgrades
Module D: Applications and scripting
Chapter 10: Windows management
Module A: Operating system features and tools
Module B: Control Panel utilities
Module C: Command-line tools
Module D: Operating system troubleshooting
Chapter 11: Network basics
Module A: Classifying networks
Module B: Network devices
Module C: Internet connections
Chapter 12: Network cables and connectors
Module A: Twisted-pair connections
Module B: Coaxial connections
Module C: Optical media
Chapter 13: Network protocols
Module A: TCP/IP settings
Module B: Transport protocols
Module C: Application protocols
Chapter 14: Wireless networking
Module A: Wireless technology
Module B: Wi-Fi standards
Chapter 15: Windows networking
Module A: Network shares
Module B: Network connections
Module C: Connection troubleshooting
Chapter 16: Virtualization and cloud computing
Module A: Virtualization
Module B: Cloud computing
Chapter 17: Mobile devices
Module A: Mobile device types
Module B: Mobile device configuration
Module C: Mobile device troubleshooting
Chapter 18: Security principles
Module A: Threats and vulnerabilities
Module B: Security controls
Chapter 19: Security technologies
Module A: Operating system security
Module B: Security hardware and software
Chapter 20: Securing devices and data
Module A: Workstation security
Module B: Mobile device security
Module C: Security troubleshooting
Chapter 21: SOHO network configuration
Module A: SOHO router features
Module B: Network security
Chapter 22: Printers and multi-function print devices
Module A: Printer technologies
Module B: Printer installation and maintenance
Module C: Printer troubleshooting
Chapter 23: Custom computers
Module A: Custom computer considerations
Chapter 24: Operational procedures
Module A: IT operations
Module B: Environmental factors
Module C: Incident response
Module D: Backup and recovery
Appendix A: Glossary
Alphabetical Index
30 Bird's Comprehensive Computer Technician courseware comes with lab exercises in the book. Complete classroom setup instructions are included in the book's Introduction.
Regarding the hardware components used in hardware labs: none are exotic, and most are found in a typical computer or computer toolkit. Ideally the instructor or training center would provide them for use during the class. Instructors don’t need to have absolutely all of them, especially for each student. It is more of a “wish list” for giving students a complete hands-on demonstration of all components discussed in the hardware portion of the course. If availability is a limitation for a specific component, instructors can demonstrate a single device for the entire class, or students can perform online research about common models and their features.
For the operating system labs, students need a computer with Windows 10 and lab files, which are available from the 30 Bird Store. There is an optional lab exercise that covers installing a virtual machine which requires a bit more setup.
Customers can also choose to purchase Online Labs for the course. For the hardware labs, the online versions are simulations that take having actual hardware out of the picture. For the software labs, students log in through a browser and complete the online exercises using virtual machines. The online labs greatly simplify setup.
30 Bird Media’s instructor-led course, Comprehensive Computer Technician, provides the basic knowledge needed to install, configure, and support computer hardware and operating systems. This includes:
- Assembling components based on customer requirements
- Installing, configuring and maintaining devices, PCs, and software for end users
- Understanding the basics of networking and security/forensics
- Properly and safely diagnosing, resolving, and documenting common hardware and software issues
- Applying troubleshooting skills
- Providing appropriate customer support
- Understanding the basics of virtualization, desktop imaging, and deployment
This course maps to the CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 certification exams. Objective coverage is marked throughout the course.